TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON: A FIRST-TIME VISITOR'S GUIDE

London might just be my favorite city I’ve ever visited! I went there with one of my best friends in March, and we had the absolute best time. We were supposed to land on a Sunday, but a fire at the airport delayed us a whole day. Total travel chaos! But once we finally arrived? Pure magic!

We split our trip between London and Paris, and honestly, a few days in London was not nearly enough. There’s just so much to do! I could totally see myself living there one day. The vibe, the people, the food—all of it felt so full of life!

If you're planning your first trip and wondering what to do in London, here are 10 must-do activities that I absolutely loved. Whether you're going solo, with a friend, or planning your dream girls' trip, this list has something for every kind of traveler!

1. Visit Buckingham Palace

You can’t visit London without seeing Buckingham Palace! If you’re there in the summer, you might be able to book a tour of the State Rooms and palace gardens, which are open seasonally. Tickets sell fast, so book early! Even if you don’t go inside, you can still see the beautiful exterior and catch the Changing of the Guard. It usually happens daily at 11:00 a.m., but definitely check the official schedule in advance.

2. Explore Borough Market

Borough Market is a must-visit for food lovers! If you’ve seen it on TikTok, you already know. This iconic London food market is packed with vendors offering everything from fruit crumbles and fresh oysters to chocolate-covered strawberries and the famous wild mushroom risotto. It’s open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed Sundays.) Go early to beat the crowds!

3. See Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament

All three of these iconic London landmarks are located right next to each other along the River Thames. Take a stroll across Westminster Bridge for the perfect photo op! You can even ride the London Eye for an amazing view of the skyline, especially at sunset.

4. Visit London’s Best Museums

London is home to some of the world’s best museums, and many of them are free! My personal favorite was the British Museum, where you can spend hours exploring exhibits from all over the world. Other top picks include the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square and the Tate Modern along the South Bank.

5. Tour the Tower of London

The Tower of London is full of fascinating history! You can see the Crown Jewels, chat with the Yeoman Warders (also called Beefeaters), and meet the famous Tower ravens. Definitely buy your ticket in advance to skip the long lines. It’s one of those historic sites that’s totally worth the time.

6. Wander Through Notting Hill and Portobello Market

This charming neighborhood is picture-perfect! Think pastel townhouses, local boutiques, and cozy cafés. Be sure to visit Portobello Road Market—especially on a Saturday, when it's the most lively. It’s one of the best street markets in London for vintage finds, antiques, and street food.

7. Visit Kensington Palace and Gardens

Kensington Palace is the former home of Princess Diana and the current residence of some members of the royal family. You’ll need a ticket to tour the inside, but the surrounding Kensington Gardens are free to explore—and perfect for a sunny afternoon picnic or bike ride.

8. Hang Out in Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is right in the heart of Westminster and full of energy! You’ll find fountains, street performers, and major landmarks like the National Gallery. From here, you can easily walk to spots like Leicester Square, Covent Garden, or even Buckingham Palace.

9. Explore Soho for Food and Nightlife

Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods and an absolute must for nightlife! Whether you’re looking for late-night drinks, a jazz bar, or a cozy dinner spot—you’ll find it here. Soho is also amazing for daytime exploring, with cute cafés, international food, and cool local boutiques.

10. See a Show in the West End

London’s West End is famous for its world-class theater! We saw The Lion King and absolutely loved it. But there are so many shows to choose from—Wicked, Les Misérables, Hamilton, Mamma Mia, and more! You can even find discounted same-day tickets at TKTS in Leicester Square if you're feeling spontaneous.

More Adventures Await!

There are SO many incredible things to do in London, and this list is just the beginning! I’m already dreaming of going back. If you're planning your first visit, I hope this gives you a fun and helpful starting point. And if you’ve already been, let me know your favorites! I’m always collecting ideas for next time!

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